Criminal defense lawyers in Woodland, CA. Nobody in Woodland, CA, wants to be in a position where they need a criminal defense attorney. Maybe a traffic stop escalated out of your control. Maybe you know someone else actually did it, or you made a choice you realize was wrong now. Or maybe your partner was arrested, and you're looking for a premier Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc. is experienced, knowledgeable, and prepared to help. We have over 25 of the top criminal defense attorneys in California, and know how to win in a variety of case types. Get in touch at (800) 755-5174 or reach out to us online for a no obligation consulation.
Reasons to Find a Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Waiting to hire an attorney can be detrimental to your case. While you're holding back, the police and prosecutors are building a case against you. California is known for being very punishing towards convicts, and waiting to work with a lawyer could make the difference in avoiding a conviction or prison time.
What's more, the longer you wait to hire an attorney, the more you risk doing something to unintentionally give the police evidence that hurts you. If you speak to the police on your own, underestimate the charges, or talk with friends and family about your case, you could be inadvertently making your case harder to fight.
Reaching out to a Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer ASAP not only protects your rights, it could also stop the prosecution's case before it even reaches court. By fighting for your freedom early, challenging evidence, and leveraging their relationship with the prosecutor, your attorney may be able to convince the court to drop or dismiss the charges against you.
We know that arrests don't only happen during weekdays or business hours. At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., we're always prepared for your call and begin building your defense from the first call.
Woodland, CA, Arrests and How to Handle Them
Arrests are high-tension situations in Woodland, CA. While you may not want to cooperate with the authorities, doing so (the right way) is important. Take this advice during the arrest and following court procedures, to strengthen your chances of a favorable outcome:
- Do Not Resist: Making a scene, attempting to flee, or fighting the law enforcement officers won't improve your situation. In fact, you can then be charged with resisting arrest.
- Don't Talk Without Your Lawyer Present: When you are interviewed by the government officials, say "I do not wish to answer any questions at this time and am requesting to speak with my lawyer."
- Talk to a Lawyer: In California, you have the right to three phone calls while under arrest – be sure one of them is to your lawyer.
- Post Bail (If Applicable): you might be released without being charged, but if you are, you will probably be given an option to post bail. Being able to act freely prior to a trial can make a major difference in your case.
- Collect Evidence: As a first step in building your defense, you should document all evidence you have related to your defense and send it to your attorney.
If you do all of the above and work with an expert Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, you'll create a base for a staunch defense.
How Our Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Help You
We don't just represent you; we take the time to learn about what makes you and your case unique. Because we listen to you first, we both craft a defense specific to you and care about the broader implications on your future.
We will fight for you by:
- Studying your case from all angles – we examine the prosecution's case, conduct our own research, and listen to you in order to get the full story.
- Prepare a fierce defense often consisting of motions to have evidence thrown out, hiring expert analysts, and challenging the state's subpoenas.
- Represent you in court if the case reaches a trial. We fight to remove biased jurors, deftly cross-examine the prosecution's witnesses, and create reasonable doubt.
- Negotiate with the prosecution for plea deals. After tactfully showing the strength of our defense to the district attorney, you're more likely to receive an offer of a plea deal with a lesser sentence.
- Advocate for lesser sentences at sentencing hearings. We'll show why you're deserving of probation or a shorter sentence.
- Helping you move on with your life after a court case. We can aid you with the expungement, sealing, and destruction of arrest and criminal records. Don't allow your record to cause far-reaching damage.
Case Categories Our Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers Will Defend
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley has experience with all kinds of criminal charges in Woodland, CA, and are equipped to defend against anything in Woodland, CA. Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in:
Traffic Charges
People don't always think of traffic charges as 'criminal,' but they technically are. Sometimes it's something simple, like driving without a license, but it can also include higher profile charges like DUIs or Hit and Runs. Traffic charges we commonly defend in Woodland, CA, include:
- DUI/DWI Charges
- Felony DUI Charges
- Street Racing Charges
- Wet Reckless Charges
- Driving Without a License Charges
- And more
Violent Offense Charges
Violent crime charges are always serious, regardless of which specific charge you're facing. Assault, battery, and more forceful offenses are all included. If you're facing charges for any of the following (or other) alleged violent crimes, call us immediately:
Drug Charges
Drug charges in Woodland, CA, could be anything from possession, usage, or sale, depending on the situation. There is a wide variety of substances for which you can face charges for having. If you're facing any of the following common charges (or another one) for any controlled substance, contact us now to start building your defense:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Drug Possession
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Drug Possession for Sale
- And more
Theft Charges
Woodland, CA, theft charges cover a wide variety of alleged actions. Sentences are more severe for forceful or violent theft, such as robbery. Below are some of our theft charge defense specialties:
Sex Crime Charges
Sex crimes frequently come with a harsh social stigma. There are many variations, including the posting of revenge porn, sexual assault, and soliciting a prostitute. Some common sex crime charges we defend against are:
Murder Charges
Few charges in Woodland, CA, are as grave as murder. If convicted, you could go to jail for decades. This means that you need a Woodland, CA, defense attorney with extensive experience at your side. Our attorneys can help you fight all of the below charges:
- Attempted Murder
- First Degree Murder
- Second Degree Murder
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- And more.
Contact our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
How to Pick a Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyer
When deciding on a Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyer, there are many choices available, but deciding on the right one can make all the difference in your case. Partnering with the proper criminal defense attorney is quite possibly the biggest factor in how your case will turn out. By going with a lawyer who has the below characteristics, you are ensuring you get the legal representation you deserve:
- Experience – especially as a prosecutor, giving insights into how the state builds its cases.
- Connections With Local Courts – as these are key in securing plea deals.
- Familiarity With Your Charges – previously worked on cases with the same charges that you're facing.
- Stellar Reputation – from other lawyers and from people they've previously defended.
- Responsiveness and Availability – a team that you can get ahold of when you need them most.
- Transparent Costs – look for someone who can give you a free consult and cost estimate.
The Steps Our Woodland, CA Criminal Defense Lawyers Take to Protect Your Freedom:
No matter what charges you're facing, we will prepare our defense as if it will go to trial. We know how hard the district attorney will work against you, and we're ready for it; we're proactive and by your side throughout the legal process, scaring the prosecution and satisfying the jury.
When you call our Woodland, CA, criminal defense lawyers, we are dedicated to finding ways to protect your freedom. In a criminal defense case, that normally includes the following steps:
- Evaluate Your Case – This starts with your story, and continues with our investigations.
- Fight For Early Dismissal – Whether at a pre–filing investigation conference or a preliminary hearing, we try to end the case early, before it goes to trial.
- Advocate for Pretrial Release – At a bail hearing, we will show the court that you deserve freedom while awaiting trial, with minimal to no cash bonds.
- Negotiate With the District Attorney – We'll look for a plea deal that protects your interests.
- Defend You at Trial – Based on all our experience and research into your case, we'll scrutinize the state's case at trial and show reasonable doubt to the jury.
- Represent You for Sentencing and Appeals – As needed, our team will argue for lenient sentencing and can take your case to an appeals court if there were any rights violations in the trial.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley: Premier Woodland, CA, Criminal Defense Lawyers:
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc., features a group of former prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers who have turned their talents to criminal defense. We have over five decades of courtroom experience. We know the type of strategy the district attorney is likely to use, and we use our knowledge to tear it apart.
Using our existing relationships with prosecutors and judges, we're experts at getting plea bargains that can protect your freedom. And if your case does end up going before a jury, your criminal defense lawyer won't hesitate to give you a powerful defense.
We're highly regarded by both former clients and legal experts. We handle all types of serious crimes, and have a large team of the best criminal defense attorneys in California. We make it easy to understand the costs, and our phones are available at any time if you need an update on your case or you need advice in a situation.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions in Woodland, CA
The system moves fast after an arrest. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, and your next steps may not be obvious. We've put together some of the common questions Woodland, CA, residents have regarding criminal defense, and clear answers to each:
Can a Woodland, CA, criminal defense attorney still help if I didn't commit the crime?
Yes – even though law enforcement officials are trying to do their jobs correctly, somthing could get mixed up, and you never know if something you say could unintentionally make you look guilty.
If I'm convicted of a crime in Woodland, CA, how can I get it off my record?
The best way to explore options to remove a conviction from your record in Woodland, CA, is to connect with an expungement lawyer, who can help you explore options to seal and destroy your criminal record.
Do criminal records in Woodland, CA, include arrests?
Your criminal record does include arrests, but with a catch – the government keeps a record of arrests, but the records can be sealed from the public if there are no charges or convictions.
If there is not a warrant out for my arrest, how can the police arrest me?
If police have probable cause (a realistic suspicion that you have committed a crime), they can place you under arrest regardless of whether they have a warrant or not.
If you've already been convicted, what are your options?
California's appeals process is available if there were any errors or mistakes in your court case. A skilled attorney will always explore every available appeals avenue and explain what options you have to keep fighting your conviction.
How does plea bargaining work in California?
Plea bargaining is a common way to resolve cases in Woodland. In the process, a specific (usually lighter) penalty is offered to the accused person in exchange for a guilty plea. The state uses them to allow them to focus on the most serious cases, while defendants use them to minimize their time in jail, if they're worried about being found guilty.
Contact Our Firm – Your Future Is at Stake
If you've been accused of committing a crime in Woodland, CA, you need a strong defense strategy. You deserve top-notch representation. You'll get a top defense and expert representation at The Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.
Whatever crime you've been accused of, we're ready to help. Contact us today – take too long to make a defense, and it could cost you dearly. Call (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to start building your defense and protecting your rights.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can also help you with the following in Woodland, CA:
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